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No-Bake Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Squares

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No-Bake Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Squares is an easy dessert. Crunchy pretzel filling and sweet peanut butter chocolate make the perfect contrast.

White rectangular white dish filled with chocolate topped dessert next to a white plate on a blue patterned napkins and two forks

THIS POST HAS BEEN UPGRADED FROM 12/11/14 TO IMPROVE READER EXPERIENCE.

Who doesn’t like No-Bake Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Squares? They’re rich, gooey, and have a delightful crunch from the pretzel filling.

I love to cook, but I really love to bake. I’m just in awe of some of the recipes and pictures that I see.

I also like pushing myself to learn new recipes and techniques except when being pulled in 100 different directions. That is when I rely on recipes like these No-Bake Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Squares.

We just had a family tailgating gathering, and for me, I want to watch the game. I don’t want people to have to wait for me to serve food. Finger food or food that can sit out is a must.

That also makes them perfect for holiday get-togethers when everyone is full from a big dinner but just wants a little sweet treat. Cut these Peanut Butter squares with Chocolate small and put them on a fancy plate and they’re definitely a holiday-worthy dessert.

Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Square Ingredients:

  • Crushed pretzels – I use the twists. I find they’re salted perfectly so I don’t need to add additional salt.
  • Powdered Sugar – Using powdered sugar acts as a binding ingredient that holds these bars together.
  • Peanut Butter – I use creamy peanut butter. It makes these bars look smooth but if you like the crunchy variety that works great too.
  • Chocolate chips – This recipe originally called for milk chocolate chips. I use what I have and will often combine dark or semi-sweet with milk chocolate.
  • Unsalted butter – There is plenty of salt in the pretzels so I don’t add additional salt by using salted butter.

Pretzel Peanut Butter Bars are so easy to make and everyone loves them. They only have 5 ingredients and who doesn’t love that?

  • Measuring cup full of crushed pretzels
    Crushed Pretzels
  • Creamy peanut butter pretzel filling
    Peanut Butter Pretzel Filling

Note: these bars need to chill 1 hour so plan accordingly.

How to make Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Squares

  • Crush the pretzels. You can use a food processor, blender, or put them in a plastic bag and smash them with a rolling pin or meat mallet. I like leaving chunks of uncrushed pretzels for a delightful crunch.
  • Combine the crushed pretzels with powdered sugar and 1 cup of the peanut butter.
  • Spray the bottom of a serving dish. You can use a 9×13 for thinner Pretzel Peanut Butter Bars or an 8×11 for thicker bars.
  • Press the pretzel layer in your serving dish.
  • Combine the chocolate chips and remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 30-second intervals, stirring after each session until smooth. You can also melt this combination in a saucepan or double boiler.
  • Pour the chocolate layer over the pretzel later.
  • Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour before cutting.
Peanut Butter bar topped with thick creamy chocolate layer sitting on a white plate in front of a serving platter with more dessert squares on it.

No-Bake Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Square serving tips and notes:

  • Make these chocolate pretzel peanut butter squares ahead of time. They will store perfectly in the refrigerator covered for up to 5 days.
  • After these peanut butter dessert squares have chilled, cut them in serving-sized pieces and put them on a serving plate. Cover them and store them in the refrigerator until guests arrive.
  • Cut Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Squares into serving-sized pieces and freeze them in an air-tight container for up to 3 months. You can take out just what you need or make them in advance for when you need them. Defrost them in the refrigerator or just set them out for a little while. You’ll be prepared for unplanned parties or guests.
Chocolate topped dessert square filled with a pretzel filling on a white plate with two squares cut behind it.

Variations ideas for Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Bars

  • Before chilling the chocolate pretzel peanut butter bars, sprinkle the top with crushed pretzels, peanuts, or sprinkles!
  • Add mini chocolate chips or crushed nuts to the pretzel filling. Don’t add so much that these bars won’t stick together. If you do, add more peanut butter and powdered sugar.

Take a look at these amazing bar recipes!

Items you may need to make Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Squares

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  • Baking Dish – I used this baking dish for this recipe because it was a little smaller than my 9×13 which made my dessert a little thicker.
  • Silicone Spatulas – This pretty set has a flat side and a curved side to take on your toughest job. I love that they are all one piece and can withstand 500°F! Throw out those old chipped ones and treat yourself!

Don’t forget to pin this recipe to your favorite board!

Top view of a pretzel dessert topped with milk chocolate on a white plate surrounded by other pieces.

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Chocolate topped dessert square filled with a pretzel filling on a white plate with two squares cut behind it.
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5 from 8 votes

No-Bake Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Squares

No-Bake Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Squares are quick and easy to make. Who doesn’t love peanut butter and Chocolate?
Prep Time 20 mins
Chill time 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 20 mins
Servings 24
Author Hostess At Heart

Ingredients

  • 12 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cups pretzels crushed
  • 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1-1/4 cups creamy peanut butter divided
  • 1-1/2 cups milk chocolate chips can also use dark or semi-sweet

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, powdered sugar, 1 cup of the peanut butter, and the melted butter. Stir until well combined. Press pretzel mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 or 11×8 pan.
  • Combine chocolate chips and remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in the microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Spread over pretzel peanut butter layer.
  • Refrigerate for 1 hour before cutting.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Trisha Yearwood and Food Network

Nutrition

Serving: 12g | Calories: 121kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 100mg | Potassium: 28mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 186IU | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe? That’s awesome!Mention @hostessatheart or tag #hostessatheart!

When it comes to attending parties and taking treats to work, I like to keep it simple. Simple doesn’t mean any less delicious. It’s just a time when I am not trying to bake the Mona Lisas’ image into a cake (that really isn’t on my bucket list).

What is your favorite go-to party recipe? Please share, you are my inspiration!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for spending some time with me today!

Comments

  1. Michele says

    I had no idea I could freeze these! Making them today so I have them for the holidays! and the superbowl! What a great tip!

    Reply

  2. Petra says

    I think I fell in instant love with these bars! There is nothing I don’t love! I have made a note for next week to make them, I just have to make sure I don’t eat them all myself 🙂

    Reply

  4. Jennifer A Stewart says

    These lasted a hot minute in my house! Thank goodness I made another batch and hid them in the back of the fridge:)

    Reply

  7. michele says

    Had to pop back over as these are perennial favorite peanut butter bars! I think its the powdered sugar that makes them the best Ive ever had! Thanks so much! We love them!

    Reply

  9. Sandra Shaffer says

    I volunteered to bring a dessert to a potluck and totally forgot. Although I was tempted to buy something I decided to make your no-bake pretzel peanut butter squares. They’re delicious! So easy to make and not a crumb left. Will be making again…and again!

    Reply

    • Julie is HostessAtHeart says

      I’ve made them 3 times. They are so easy to make and take and I’ve yet to have anyone turn up there nose. 🙂 Thanks Patti!

      Reply

  11. Elzie Jackson says

    Reblogged this on elziejackson and commented:
    This got shared on penarest elziejackson I’m going do this for diabetes and see how it comes out!!!!!

    Reply

  13. lapetitecasserole says

    I could die for one of these bars… Love the use of pretzel! I’m sure the give a very particular taste. Thanks for being at FF!

    Reply

  14. petra08 says

    This is my kind of recipe! I love that there is no flour (it always gets everywhere when I try to bake) and the squares looks so good!

    Reply

  19. cookingwithauntjuju.com says

    Any recipe with peanut butter and chocolate has my immediate attention. Great “no bake” dessert to bring to Angie’s party. Bring some extras as they will go fast! Happy FF Julie 🙂

    Reply

    • Julie is HostessAtHeart says

      Thank you so much for hosting. I can’t think of a better co-host! I love peanut butter and chocolate together too. It doesn’t have to be difficult to be yummy!

      Reply

      • cookingwithauntjuju.com says

        Thanks Julie for your nice comment. Get ready – Angie might be knocking on your door as you would be a perfect choice 🙂

        Reply

        • Julie is HostessAtHeart says

          Thanks Judi! I would gladly love to help out but I can’t imagine doing it during these holidays! I have a horrible habit of taking on too much.

          Reply

  21. Shari says

    These look so good, Julie! I love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter so know I would love these. It is nice to have a simpler recipe this time of year. Your comment about the Mona Lisa was so funny. I see these beautiful cakes on other blogs, and I just wonder how they find the time to do it. Thanks for sharing this recipe!

    Reply

    • Julie is HostessAtHeart says

      Thank you for such a sweet comment. I know what you mean with time. The more I have the more I seem to squirrel away.

      Reply

  22. simplyvegetarian777 says

    Scrumptious :).
    Julie, you have won my curry sample give away. When you get time, please visit my latest post and send me your information so that I can ship it out to you :).
    Sonal

    Reply

  23. Pixie says

    These are awesome!!! Fantastic job showing off these yummy treats! I like your choice of the side stacking, it highlights the two layers. Thanks for sharing the recipe too. 😉

    Reply

    • Julie is HostessAtHeart says

      Thank you for such a nice comment pixie! I took a look at your photos, and your flowers are amazing as is your header. I assume you took that too? Take care of yourself! Hope you are having a good day.

      Reply

  26. apuginthekitchen says

    Love this and no bake sounds like a really good thing, I love everything in these bars. Around the holidays a recipe like this is just what I needed, thanks Julie.

    Reply

  27. Nancy @ feasting with friends says

    Yummy! I make a similar recipe in little balls, I never thought to go the bar route! This is much less labor intensive with no sacrifice of flavor…thanks for providing me with a huge time saver, Julie. 🙂

    Reply

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